David and Sally Abel, who are on the cruise to celebraate their anniversary, are among the 74 Britons on the ship, with the US already having chartered two two planes and repatriated 340 of its citizens, and now tests have shown they do have the bug. Four Britons with confirmed coronavirus are currently in hospital in Japan, according to the latest official figures, after the ship was quarantined on February 3.
In total, 450 people have so far tested positive, while Sir Richard Branson has said Virgin Atlantic was “in discussions” with the Government over whether he could help those stranded.
He responded via Twitter to an appeal from the couple, who asked the British businessman and philanthropist to charter a special plane, and who aired their concerns earlier this month on Good Morning Britain.
The couple’s son Steve Abel renewed appeals for the Government to help his parents, who he fears may become separated in Japan.
Mr Abel, who has been critical of conditions on board the cruise ship, and who is regularly uploading clips to Facebook, posted: “There is going to be a time of quiet.
“We have been proved positive and leaving for hospital soon. Blessings all.”
Mr Abel, who has spoken of his concern that he and his wife could end up getting separated, later venting his frustration by adding: “Frankly i think this is a setup! We are NOT being taken to a hospital but a hostel.
“That’s where partners are sent waiting out there quarantine.
“No phone, no wi-fi and no medical facilities. I really am smelling a very big rat here! Waiting for the transfer now..”
In his latest video uploaded yesterday, prior to learning the news, he complained about the conditions onboard, admitting: “It’s all getting to us. It’s the not knowing factor. Mentally it’s all taking its toll.”
Earlier this month, Mr Abel explained the cruise was one of several events they had organised to mark their special year.
The 74-year-old, from Oxfordshire, who had previously said he believed they would test negative, added: “All of these video posts that I’m putting up, I’m looking at as therapy for me. It keeps me busy during the day.
“Being able to talk about what we are experiencing and going through, my day has gone very quickly indeed and if I can keep it up for the rest of the cruise then I’ll be delighted, but goodness knows how other people are going to fare.”
The Foreign Office has said it is “working to organised” a flight back to the UK for British nationals “as soon as possible”.
A statement explained: “Our staff are contacting British nationals on board to make the necessary arrangements.
“We urge all those who have not yet responded to get in touch immediately.”
A Downing Street spokesman also said those on board the ship docked near Yokohama, Japan, were being contacted about the possibility of a repatriation flight.
(More to follow)